Italian PM Renzi quits after referendum defeat

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Monday announced his resignation after a referendum on a constitutional change he supported was defeated.

Renzi spoke at a press conference at the Palazzo Chigi following the results of the vote on the measure that sought to reduce the powers of the upper house, Senate, in a country where a dual-parliamentary legislation system exists.

With nearly 60 percent of voters rejecting the constitutional change, according to unofficial results, Renzi said the "No camp" won and he "took full responsibility for the clear defeat.

"Italians made a clear choice. It is a clear defeat. It is my defeat."

Renzi said he would convene his Cabinet on Monday afternoon and would offer his resignation to the president.